Nucleoplasty

In the Nucleoplasty procedure, the physician removes tissue and applies controlled levels of thermal energy (heat) to the disc. Nucleoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Local anesthesia and mild sedation may be used to reduce discomfort during the procedure. You will be awake enabling you to provide important feedback to the physician. With the guidance of X-ray images, your physician will first advance a needle into the disc. A specialized device, known as a Perc-D™ SpineWand™, will then be introduced through the needle and into the disc.

Nucleoplasty consists of creating a series of channels in your disc and then thermally treating the tissue immediately adjacent to the Perc-D SpineWand. Small amounts of radio wave energy are released into the damaged disc through the Perc-D SpineWand that is about the thickness of a dime. The energy creates a molecular reaction that causes some of the spongy tissue inside the damaged disc to dissolve. As pressure inside the disc is reduced, the herniation in the shell retracts, the irritation to the nearby nerve roots is reduced, and pain is relieved. The procedure should take less than an hour.

Who is a candidate for Nucleoplasty?

Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure developed for patients with contained herniated discs. To understand how a contained herniated disc works, think of a bicycle tire with a bulge in it. The bulge can certainly make for a rough ride. When a bulge or "herniation" appears in the shell of a disc due to injury or the normal aging process, severe pain can result. This is because the disc is surrounded by sensitive nerve roots in the spine. If the bulge is big enough to rub against these nerve roots, pain can radiate throughout the lower back and upper legs. According to the clinical studies, the results are about equal to those of traditional disc surgeries—but without the trauma, extensive recovery period, high cost, or most of the potential complications. Based on these studies, approximately four out of five Nucleoplasty patients saw successful results as measured by patient satisfaction scores, reduced pain, absence of narcotics use, and return to work. The procedure is safe, effective, cleared by the Food and Drug Administration, and recognized by the American Medical Association as a qualified method for treating contained herniated discs.